Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our newest members this month; Westwood Country House and Blarney Window Systems. We look forward to getting to know you better. Westwood Country House and Blarney Window Systems are two of 44 local businesses who are quietly working together to help make Blarney a better place to work, live and play.

It’s been a great month for Chamber members. Our Christmas night out epitomised hospitality at its’ very finest as we paid a Christmas visit to The Farm, Grenagh. Thanks to our wonderful hosts, The Forde family.

‘Magical Blarney’ is certainly putting Blarney back on the map as the number one place to visit to see Santa. It’s yet another massive investment from the group, who have spent more than €300,000 on the project, of which the short and long term effects will be felt by all local businesses.

You know Christmas has started when the lights are turned on at Blairs Inn, always a lovely night. A modest Duncan and Richard Blair generously attributed their success entirely to their staff and their customers.

Thanks to Keith in Pharmacy First Plus for a fabulous night, when we paid a visit to his state of the art photographic printing facility in Glanmire, which backs up the excellent facility they have in Tower. There really is NOTHING they cannot print on! This was followed by a night out in Tower where we enjoyed the hospitality of The Huntsman and the Mandalay Thai. A great night, thanks to all.

The Christmas lights in The Square were turned on last week, accompanied by the young voices from our local primary schools. Big thanks to Edward Healy and Jim Barrett for their help, and Anne Gabriel who brought Santa in style on the back of her trike much to the children’s delight! Charles and Caroline from Blarney Castle, who sponsor the lights, were there to enjoy the festivities, before we went back to The Castle Hotel for a good old fashioned village get together, thanks to our hosts Ian and Una Forrest.

It was ‘frozen’ in Griffins Garden Centre last weekend when Santa arrived to an adoring crowd. Joined by Elsa and Olfa, he enchanted the crowd when he danced The Winter Waltz with the lovely Mrs Claus.

Awe inspiring to see Chamber member, Vicarstown based dogsfordisabled.ie on nationwide last week. Their life changing work was humbling to see. Can you help? They need foster families for their puppies, donations and a new permanent home as they have to move from their current base next year.

Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce meet every Friday morning for networking, and constructive local issue driven discussion and action. Feel free to join us any Friday morning. For times and venues of meetings email admin@blarneychamber.com / http://blarneychamber.com

Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new member this month Blarney Golf Resort Hotel, which has recently been taken over by the Choice Hotel group, who also run the very successful Cork Clarion Hotel plus 6 other hotels. Marketing Manager Zuzana Brosnan has been a regular at our meetings and we look forward to working with her as she moves full time into her role in Blarney. Exciting times ahead for Zuzana, the hotel and the local area which will benefit greatly from their increased investment and presence.

Very excited about the plans that we are hearing about from Blarney Woollen Mills for ‘Magical Blarney.’ It’s going to be huge, and will put Blarney back on the map as THE number one Christmas destination. It’s yet another massive investment from the group, who will spend more than €300,000 on the project, of which the short and long term effects will be felt by all local businesses.

Still at The Mills, we extend a very warm big welcome to Insomnia who have opened up within Blarney Woollen Mills, another great addition to Blarney.

Corkman and Chapter One chef Ross Lewis returned to Cork to officially open ‘The Square Table‘ last month, accompanied by Food and Wine Magazine Best Chef Ireland Graham Neville. It was a huge success and owners Tricia and Martina have seen a direct increase in business since the launch which was attended by some of Ireland’s most prolific food bloggers and writers. If you haven’t eaten there yet then book now, it’s simply superb.

The Chamber of Commerce was delighted to host an evening with local MEP Deirdre Clune earlier this month at Blarney Golf Resort Hotel. Deirdre spoke of her role within the European Parliament, her plans for Cork and answered questions on how, in her role as MEP, she can help.

Thanks to Mick Forde in the Farm for sponsoring the materials for the renovation of the exterior of the Tourist office, a job which was undertaken by the volunteers in Blarney Men’s Shed and Tidy Towns.

The timeless Granny Griffin at Griffin’s Garden Centre, Dripsey is celebrating her birthday on the weekend of November 15th and 16th. All welcome, lots of goodies, free food tastings and discounts. Go and enjoy!

Our members are a charitable bunch and many of them are involved in organising events that directly benefit local charities, please support if you can, it’s a great opportunity to buy locally.

Congratulations to local company and Chamber member Irishmadegifts.com for being the worthy winners of ‘Best Video’ at the prestigious Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2014 last week. Pictured accepting their award are Deborah Maguire, Arann Maguire and Fortune Sibanda from Irishmadegifts.com. Also included are Red FM’s KC and Damien Mulley.

Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce meet every Friday morning for networking, and constructive local issue driven discussion and action. Feel free to join us any Friday morning. For times and venues of meetings email admin@blarneychamber.com / http://blarneychamber.com Blarney and District Chamber of Commerce … helping to make Blarney a better place to work, live and play.

Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce AGM was held last night at The Castle Hotel. The meeting was chaired by outgoing Chairman, Adrian O’Connell. A new committee was elected for the coming year consisting of Chairman Damian Boylan, Vice Chairman Sue Pamment, Secretary Kate Durrant, Treasurer Deirdre Healy, Tourist Office Liaison Officer PJ Lynch plus John Henchion, Ed Healy, Deborah MacGuire and Denis Murphy.

A short reflection on current facilities that The Chamber provides including running Blarney Tourist Office, channelling training opportunities through Avondhu Blackwater Development, funding BART, facilitating Blarney joint policing forum and sponsoring the Muskerry News Person of The Year award, was soon cut short as the new committee turned their focus onto the challenges that lie ahead.

The new year brings with it the challenge of refocusing and making Blarney Chamber activities more relevant to local businesses and the need to engage more wholeheartedly with businesses, both large and small, in a bid to achieve our potential which is not being exploited.

The Chamber committee is comprised of volunteers and we thank the outgoing Chairman and committee members for their commitment during the year.

Blarney and District Chamber of Commerce caters for all businesses, be they start ups or well established companies. Our aim is to connect with and support our fellow members, create a viable business community in our area and still remain true to our heritage as one of Irelands top tourist villages, all in one hour a week!

Regardless of the weather (and this year we really cannot complain), Summer is heralded in Blarney with the installation of our beautiful flower baskets which are erected once agin this year in conjunction with Blarney Tidy Towns. The brainchild of Olwen Venn of Maranatha Country House B&B and a chamber member, the baskets were funded by the Chamber last year and each year have to be replanted, erected on the poles and watered throughout the summer months. They are perfectly complimented by the new benches soon to be installed in the plaza by the Tidy Towns Committee and the entire village really does look like a picture postcard. Many thanks also to Denis Murphy for watering our flowers this summer.

Summer also sees a huge increase in the number of tourists visiting Blarney, one of the best branded and most visited tourist attractions in the world. Blarney Chamber works very hard to leverage this to promote local business and our tourist office is funded by our member’s subscriptions. It is great to have B&B owners among our members as we value their feedback and their first hand interaction with our tourists. We would love to have more B&B’s join us especially as we roll out a subcommittee that seeks to actively engage with and encourage more interaction with prominent visitors to Ireland, and to also seek out ways to get tourists in general to stay in Blarney just one more night. This would contribute millions to our local economy and is a huge part of the Chambers remit. Are you a guesthouse in Blarney? We really want your input.

Featured Chamber Member. Apollo Print. Established in 1986, Apollo Print is a second generation family owned printing business centrally located in Kerry Pike, just next door to Ravenscourt Garden Centre. Offering a full in-house print and design service, they guarantee customers top quality printing, quick turnaround and competitive pricing. Be it beautifully crafted business cards, docket books, brochure, leaflets or flyers our high quality stationary will help create a professional image that is sure to impress your customers. “We deliver a professional service while at the same time offering a fair price that is affordable in the current economic climate,” says Brian Carter “And we aim to do this without sacrificing a single ounce of quality in your product! We also have an instant print quote facility on our website that allows the customer to check out our competitive prices for themselves…instantly!” Brian is delighted to offer Muskerry News readers the Apollo Print July special offer; 250 Business Cards printed full colour 1-side on 350g heavy board €35 plus vat @ 23% Printed on state of the art digital printing press for superior colour and quality. Why not get us to design the business card for you for an additional fee of €25? Business cards can be printed 1-sided or 2-sided and include matt or gloss lamination. For prices on other quantities and options or simply phone us at 021 4871456

IrishMadeGifts.com have added an extra dimension to our local tourist office by adding two display cabinets that feature craft and design that are made here in Ireland. Tourists can see first-hand the quality of work turned out by Irish makers and the QR scanner app on their mobile phones allows them to track back to the page on the website for more information. An exhibition of prints and paintings will follow shortly so we would be delighted with some local visitors too! If you are a craftsperson or artist looking to sell online please do contact us or have a look at our sellers information page here.

We had two very welcome visitors at a recent meeting from Dogs for Disabled. This small national charity based in Vicarstown provides assistance and stability dogs free of charge to children and adults with a physical disability. This helps them to gain confidence and live independent lives. No government funding is received so they rely completely on fundraising and public generosity. Jennifer Dowler is CEO and dog trainer, Margaret Guckian looks after the office and Alice Anne Oliver chairs the board of 5 volunteers. You will see the team out and about around Blarney training dogs so please do say hello. An Open Day takes place on August 10th, more of which in next month’s edition. www.dogsfordisabled.ie

New website for Blarney Chamber: http://blarneychamber.com/ Our new website is geared towards local business, local community and tourists. All members are listed in the free directory which is another bonus along with the free TV adverts in the Tourist Office window. Please do have a look at our fantastic new website and sign up for our newsletter!

Welcome to Blarney Chocolate Factory the most sinfully delicious chocolate made right in front of your very eyes, there is no escape! And welcome also to Claddagh our newest café ensuring Blarney has even more culinary offerings for both locals and tourists.

Summer meetings are informal and relaxed with just a quick catch up over coffee each Friday morning at 9am for an hour in locations around the village. Send your email address to blarneybusiness@gmail.com and we will keep you informed of where we meet each week, and all our other activities.

Busy month for Blarney & District Chamber and its’ members

Blarney and District Chamber of Commerce caters for all businesses, be they start ups or well established companies. Our aim is to connect with and support our fellow members, create a viable business community in our area and still remain true to our heritage as one of Irelands top tourist villages, all in one hour a week!

Regardless of the weather (and this year we really cannot complain), Summer is heralded in Blarney with the installation of our beautiful flower baskets which are erected once agin this year in conjunction with Blarney Tidy Towns. The brainchild of Olwen Venn of Maranatha Country House B&B and a chamber member, the baskets were funded by the Chamber last year and each year have to be replanted, erected on the poles and watered throughout the summer months. They are perfectly complimented by the new benches soon to be installed in the plaza by the Tidy Towns Committee and the entire village really does look like a picture postcard. Many thanks also to Denis Murphy for watering our flowers this summer.

Summer also sees a huge increase in the number of tourists visiting Blarney, one of the best branded and most visited tourist attractions in the world. Blarney Chamber works very hard to leverage this to promote local business and our tourist office is funded by our member’s subscriptions. It is great to have B&B owners among our members as we value their feedback and their first hand interaction with our tourists. We would love to have more B&B’s join us especially as we roll out a subcommittee that seeks to actively engage with and encourage more interaction with prominent visitors to Ireland, and to also seek out ways to get tourists in general to stay in Blarney just one more night. This would contribute millions to our local economy and is a huge part of the Chambers remit. Are you a guesthouse in Blarney? We really want your input.

Featured Chamber Member. Apollo Print www.apolloprintcork.net Established in 1986, Apollo Print is a second generation family owned printing business centrally located in Kerry Pike, just next door to Ravenscourt Garden Centre. Offering a full in-house print and design service, they guarantee customers top quality printing, quick turnaround and competitive pricing. Be it beautifully crafted business cards, docket books, brochure, leaflets or flyers our high quality stationary will help create a professional image that is sure to impress your customers. “We deliver a professional service while at the same time offering a fair price that is affordable in the current economic climate,” says Brian Carter “And we aim to do this without sacrificing a single ounce of quality in your product! We also have an instant print quote facility on our website that allows the customer to check out our competitive prices for themselves…instantly!” http://apolloprintcork.net/instant-print-quote/ Brian is delighted to offer Muskerry News readers the Apollo Print July special offer; 250 Business Cards printed full colour 1-side on 350g heavy board €35 plus vat @ 23% Printed on state of the art digital printing press for superior colour and quality. Why not get us to design the business card for you for an additional fee of €25? Business cards can be printed 1-sided or 2-sided and include matt or gloss lamination. For prices on other quantities and options or simply phone us at 021 4871456

IrishMadeGifts.com have added an extra dimension to our local tourist office by adding two display cabinets that feature craft and design that are made here in Ireland. Tourists can see first-hand the quality of work turned out by Irish makers and the QR scanner app on their mobile phones allows them to track back to the page on the website for more information. An exhibition of prints and paintings will follow shortly so we would be delighted with some local visitors too! If you are a craftsperson or artist looking to sell online please do contact us or have a look at our sellers information page here http://www.irishmadegifts.com/index.php?route=information/join

We had two very welcome visitors at a recent meeting from Dogs for Disabled. This small national charity based in Vicarstown provides assistance and stability dogs free of charge to children and adults with a physical disability. This helps them to gain confidence and live independent lives. No government funding is received so they rely completely on fundraising and public generosity. Jennifer Dowler is CEO and dog trainer, Margaret Guckian looks after the office and Alice Anne Oliver chairs the board of 5 volunteers. You will see the team out and about around Blarney training dogs so please do say hello. An Open Day takes place on August 10th, more of which in next month’s edition. www.dogsfordisabled.ie

New website for Blarney Chamber: http://blarneychamber.com/ Our new website is geared towards local business, local community and tourists. All members are listed in the free directory which is another bonus along with the free TV adverts in the Tourist Office window. Please do have a look at our fantastic new website and sign up for our newsletter!

Welcome to Blarney Chocolate Factory -the most sinfully delicious chocolate made right in front of your very eyes, there is no escape! And welcome also to Claddagh our newest café ensuring Blarney has even more culinary offerings for both locals and tourists.

Summer meetings are informal and relaxed with just a quick catch up over coffee each Friday morning at 9am for an hour in locations around the village. Send your email address to blarneybusiness@gmail.com and we will keep you informed of where we meet each week, and all our other activities.

Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce caters for all businesses, be they start ups or well established. Our aim is to connect with and support our fellow members, create a viable business community in our area and remain true to our heritage as one of Ireland’s top tourist villages, all in one hour!

NewWebsite for Blarney Chamber

Thanks to Sue at SynergyWeb Strategies for our brand new website http://blarneychamber.com/ which covers everything going on in Blarney.All members are listed in the free directory which is another bonus along with the free TV adverts in the Tourist Office window. Please do have a look at our fantastic new website and sign up for our newsletter!

Local Elections

May was election month and Blarney Chamber strongly supported the need for local representation with the overriding message being PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE! There was plenty of competition and plenty of choice with 12 candidates vying for 6 seats. Congratulations to Kevin Conway and Bob Ryan who will now represent us at local level and a huge pity to have narrowly missed out on a third local representative with our former Chairman Damian Boylan being eliminated on the last count, despite having out-polled three of the elected candidates on first preference votes.

Featured Chamber Member keeps the Sunnyside up!

Sunnyside B&B is located in a very peaceful and safe neighbourhood, notable for its birdsong and greenery and with plenty of space for car parking, and really exemplifies what is best about Blarney. Host Mary Walsh has created a warm and hospitable environment that saw Sunnyside B&B awarded a Certificate of Excellence. Even the eggs are sunny side up! If you have family/friends looking for overnight accommodation why not suggest Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast, 5Woodlands, Cloghroe, Blarney, Co. Cork.Tel 021 438 5779 / email: mwsunny@iol.ie.

No ducking Candy Rock Café!

We now have the most beautiful vintage style mobile café waiting at the end of the local Clogheenmilcon ‘Duck Walk’ thanks to Trevor Coughlan! Open Thursday to Sunday, from morning until 8pm with tables and chairs ready and waiting for any tired feet, the café is also a welcome respite for Mammies and Daddies while their children are running around the playground.

Cards Complete

Cards Complete are delighted to add ‘Personalised Cards’ to their range of greeting cards. Just add a photo, name and a personal message to their large range of Personalised Cards which all carry the guaranteed Irish Mark. Their ‘Miss U Gift Box’ is still the most popular of our gift boxes. Full of Irish goodies, all our boxes are made in Ireland and sent worldwide. www.cardscomplete.ie

Edward Healy & Sons garage, from cars to bars!

Despite reporting brisk business with car repairs and NCT preparations, Ed and Deirdre Healy still managed to take time out to organise yet another very successful Blarney Vintage Club ‘Annual Table Quiz’. This year’s funds went to the Cork branch of The Alzheimer’s Society and a great night was had by all.

OCCrash Repairs are blasting into a new area.

Have you old and rusty garden furniture that needs to be cleaned up and made as good as new? We can sandblast dirt and rust off anything metal, repaint it and it will be as good as new. So if you have any garden furniture, or maybe a trailer or alloy wheels that look sad and tired, we will have it shiny and new in no time. Blast the Past and bring it into the future Contact us at 4552223.

Eamonn Pitts ‘Mind your own business!’

While most of us are busy minding our own business, Eamonn Pitts has been minding everyone else’s with an almost completed extensive list of every business in the area. This was a huge undertaking and involved months of work which culminated in a present count of approx 500 businesses and an extremely valuable database for our Chamber. If you want to ensure your business is included please email your details to Kate at blarneybusiness@gmail.com

IrishMadeGifts.com Father’s Day business!

Why not consider an Irish made design this Father’s Day? These leather business card holders come beautifully packaged with your dad’s name on them for just €24.99, now that’s the business! See their full range at www.irishmadegifts.com and watch out for their gift display stand coming soon to the Tourist Office.

Welcome to our latest members:

We had two very welcome visitors at a recent meeting from Dogs for Disabled. This national charity based in Vicarstown provides assistance and stability dogs free of charge to children and adults with a physical disability. This helps them to gain confidence and live independent lives. No government funding is received so they rely completely on fundraising and public generosity. You will see the team out and about around Blarney training dogs so please do say hello. An Open Day takes place August 10th, more of which in next month’s edition. www.dogsfordisabled.ie

Jo’s Edge. Jo is a well known face in Blarney and has taken a scissors to many of your heads over the years! Creative styling for men, women & children keep Jo and her team to the forefront with cutting edge hairstyles. https://www.facebook.com/Josedgehairsalon 021 438 2739

April has certainly been a busy month for Blarney Chamber and its’ members. Our focus is fully on business, in supporting businesses, helping businesses and bringing businesses together to help each other…and if you are looking for business, to quote The Earls and their song- Rememmem, REMEMBER MEMBERS!

Cinderella Brings Her Closet To The Ball!

It was a case of back to the future when Cinderella went to this Ball! Arriving fashionably late (with her closet!) our modern day Cinderella followed in the fairy-tale footsteps and won the overall trophy which was not in this instance a handsome prince but a proper trophy! The ‘Ball’ in this story was for The Hardy Wedding Awards 2014 and our own Blarney Chamber members, Cinderella’s Closet took away the award for Irelands Best Bridal Boutique. Owners Annette and Claire graciously received their award from celebrities Brian Ormond and Pippa O’ Connor, thanked all their blushing brides and vowed to continue striving to provide that positive experience which together with their magnificent array of wedding dresses, is surely the trademark of Cinderella’s Closet! Asked if they had left behind any glass slipper, Antoinette assured us that the only thing they left behind were their business cards! Why not have a look for yourself at www.cinderellascloset.ie or find them at North Point Business Park on the Commons Road.

Members News this month included.

Darren from Pharmacy First Plus Tower gave an eye opening presentation recently on how 8 minutes in their clinic could add years to your life. The strongest message taken away was that each of the 9 health parameters measured were all reversible. 8 minutes to test and 12 minutes to talk with you. Can you spare 20 minutes to improve your quality of life? Talk to Darren Bhreathnach, Keith or any member of staff!

Having just completed her second lot of social media classes at The Castle Hotel and already booked for more, Sue Pamment, Synergy Web Strategies, tells us that due to demand she is now considering organising advanced classes for those who have the basics or more and want to get to the next level. Great value! Contact Sue at 021 733 2865 if interested.

Not resting on their laurels, the amazing team from Cinderella’s Closet were also presented with another award for their contribution to Cork Charities at the ‘Fashion Gets Political’ fashion show for Cork City Hospital Children’s Club, who were raising funds to send sick children to Disneyland! Well done to all involved.

Damian Boylan is busy on the election trail and many of you will have met him in recent weeks as he canvasses from door to door looking for your vote in the local elections on behalf of Blarney and District. Damian is a founder member and previous chairperson of Blarney Chamber of Commerce and we wish him well on 23rd May.

irishmadegifts.com were delighted to see their specially commissioned award pieces made for Cork Business of the Year Awards 2014 on the cover of the Cork Chamber Link Magazine recently. Designed and made by Sculptor James McLoughlin from Cobh they now sit proudly in the offices of AnaBio Technologies, Johnson & Perrot Motor Group and Voxpro.

Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce are delighted to welcome our latest members.

Steeltech Sheds have purchased the former Phelan’s in Tweedmount and have some fantastic plans for it so please do watch this space! And if you have space think Steeltech Sheds!

And keeping with the space theme, or lack of it, bay42.com “The newest, most exciting and innovative direct-to-customer fulfilment and distribution solution. We aim to be the number one responsible supplier of 3rd-party warehousing and fulfilment serving small and medium online retailers.” says Sam Sykes. We wish them all the best.

New businesses and new beginnings in Blarney.

Welcome to Stephen Owens who has taken over at Maxol / Mace filling station and convience store. We look forward to introducing him to Blarney. Be sure to get your fill!

And speaking of getting your fill The Square Table (such a clever name!) received its own baptism of fire last Friday when it hosted the Blarney Chamber monthly lunch meeting which was a great success. Owners Tricia and Martina Cronin bring a wealth of culinary experience with them to the table (which in this instance is square!) They kindly gave a short intro to the Chamber group and made everyone feel very welcome. The feeling was mutual.

Blooming Marvellous Florists, a decade of the Roses! Ever the pruning experts, Belinda, Geraldine and Freda look forward to welcoming you to Tower Shopping Centre, as their two branches now merge to one absolutely beautiful branch with the same great service. It’s a case of a decade of the roses to thank all their customers for support given over the last 10 years! Open six days a week phone 021 438 36 16 / 438 49 69

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The Tourist Office is located just off the Square near the entrance to the Blarney Woollen Mills. The staff can assist with accommodation reservations and provide information about what to do and see in the Blarney area. Tel: 021 4381624

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About Blarney

Céad Míle Fáilte
Blarney is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It lies 5 km north-west of Cork city and is famed as the site of Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. One of the finest things that impress the first time visitor is the … < More >

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Support Local Business

The Blarney and District Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to support local businesses and keep jobs in Blarney. Below is a listing of those businesses that are members of the Chamber. … < More >